By Ruben A. Veloria
ZAMBALES, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as chairman to lead the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) is the highest planning and policy-making body for an administrative region, particularly in the Philippines, tasked with coordinating regional development efforts and setting the direction for economic and social development.
The appointment letter dated October 16, 2025 was transmitted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, after the President signed the appointment on the same date.
The appointment as RDC Chairman “shall coincide with your regular term as local elected official” and shall have three years term.
As RDC Chairman, Gov. Ebdane shall lead the council in the formulation of regional development plans, coordination with local and national government initiatives and the private sectors, and approving and promoting investment programs for the region.
Governor Ebdane expressed his profound gratitude to President Marcos for the trust placed in him to continue serving Central Luzon. The Governor stated that he will strive to further intensify programs and projects for the development of Central Luzon— from the economy and infrastructure to the daily livelihoods of his constituents.
Ebdane added that this appointment is not only an honor but also a new challenge that he wholeheartedly accepts for the welfare of the citizens, especially the people of Zambales.
The governor remarked, “I may profoundly now say, ‘Sulong Gitnang Luzon!’”
For his track records, Gov. Ebdane served as Chief of Philippine National Police (July 2002 –August 2004) under former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
He was later appointed as Secretary of National Defense from February 2007 to July 2007 or until his appointment as Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways, where he served well until 2009. After which he later enter the court of politics in Zambales.
